Gold Strike Promotes Slade to PR Manager

By Kate Simone

Elizabeth Slade has been promoted to public relations manager at Gold Strike Casino Resort. In her new role at the MGM Resorts International property, Slade will lead in developing and executing integrated marketing communication plans with components such as media relations, social media strategy, community partnerships and brand management.

SLADE

Hometown: Long Beach, Miss.

Experience: I have worked for MGM Resorts International for nearly five years, working in advertising, special events and banquets. Prior to MGM, I held communications roles in the education, business and medical fields, working in Washington, D.C., Birmingham, Ala., and Biloxi, Miss. I graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations.

Family: My entire family lives on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.

Favorite quote: “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

Favorite movie: “The Shawshank Redemption”

The sports teams you root for: New Orleans Saints and Memphis Grizzlies

What’s playing on your stereo right now? Eddie Vedder Radio on Pandora

Activities you enjoy outside of work: I enjoy traveling, swimming, jogging and dining at one of the many great restaurants in Memphis.

What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could sing so I could perform in a Broadway production.

Who has had the greatest influence on you and why? My parents. Having a mother who is spiritual and encouraging and who puts her children’s needs before her own and a father who is witty, giving and a bit of an activist made for a fun, happy childhood. They have kept me grounded and have always supported my dreams.

What are your goals as Gold Strike’s public relations manager? My goal is to strengthen our relationships with the community through partnerships and to grow our online community.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? I am proud of the career I have had with MGM thus far. Within five years, I have won employee of the month and Supervisor in the Spotlight, and I have been promoted three times.

What do you most enjoy about your work? I enjoy getting to meet new people. Everyone has a story, and most everyone appreciates a good story. Getting to share the things I love about my company with people who appreciate the hospitality industry is rewarding.

If you could give one piece of advice to young people, what would it be? Life is 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how you react to it. One thing I’ve learned in the hospitality industry is that anything is possible, no matter how impossible it may seem. A positive attitude can take you far.

Tonie Reynolds has been promoted to disaster workforce engagement regional manager for the Mid-South chapter of the American Red Cross’ Tennessee Volunteer Region. Reynolds previously served as the disaster program manager for the Natchez Trace Chapter, based in Franklin, Tenn.

FOX

MUSE

Dr. Carley Fox and Dr. Katosha Muse have joined UT Medical Group’s Department of Family Medicine office on Primacy Parkway. Fox and Muse both completed their family medicine residencies at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where Fox currently is an assistant professor and Muse is an instructor of family medicine.

Sondra Morris has been appointed principal of St. Benedict at Auburndale High School. Morris has been with the school since the 1980s and served as its interim principal for the past semester.

Mark L. Lauber and Karen Hill, both certified public accountants, have been promoted to members at Jackson, Howell & Associates PLLC. Lauber has been with Jackson Howell since 2010 and previously served as a tax manager. Hill has been with the firm since 1999 and previously served as an audit manager.

Catholic Charities of West Tennessee has elected its 2014 officers: John Smarrelli Jr., president of Christian Brothers University, chairman; Anne Marie Kadien, community volunteer, vice chair; and Allie Bond, human resources executive at International Paper, secretary.

Wendy Harris has joined WGU Tennessee as community relations manager for Memphis and West Tennessee, educating prospective students on the degree programs offered by the online university. Harris previously held positions at the University of Phoenix, including adjunct faculty member, workforce solution market manager and business development specialist.

Karen Freeman has joined First State Bank’s Jackson location and will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies for business banking products and services throughout southwest Tennessee.